2009 is the Year of the MOM!

Being a mom is much more than raising children. It is about creating a family. Creating a family includes building tradition, instilling values, teaching morals, generating hopes and dreams, and providing unconditional love. What an emotional responsibility!! It is no easy task, and I personally don't think moms give themselves enough credit!

So make a decision...make 2009 the Year of the Mom! Take the time to appreciate all your hard work. There will be days that you will cherish all your time and effort when you see your children acting like angels - how sweet! Then there will be days when you feel like all was for naught - who are those little devils?

Raising children is a blind job - you never know what you are gonna get. Should you give hugs or keep them at arms length? What will encourage my child to be the best they can be? If I do what my friend does with her child, will it make my child better? Motherhood is just an endless cycle of the unknown.

BUT we can make our jobs a little easier...moms need to support other moms. Find a way to support a mommy-friend. Make a phone call, write a letter, send a picture to a mommy-friend who you love. Let them know you are there for them, that you understand their good days and bad days. Be an ear to hear and a shoulder to lean on. You will make a world of difference in a mom's life.

At Stroller Strides Richmond, we are supporting each other with a friendly competition called the Healthy Momma Challenge. In teams of 3, moms compete to earn points for doing healthy activities. It is a great program that connects women together in a sense of community. I will post updates as the contest gets underway in a few weeks!

Happy and Healthy 2009!